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Janelle Monae's versatile 'Lady' is truly electric

Move aside, Justin Timberlake. No one can rock a suit and tie quite like Janelle Monae. As the 27-year-old soul singer gets ready to release her sophomore album 'The Electric Lady' on Tuesday, let's look back at some of her swankiest and funkiest spins on the classic tuxedo. (Photo: Christopher Polk, Getty Images)

The singer expands on her 2010 debut on our album of the week.

It wouldn't be a huge exaggeration to call Janelle Monáe's sophomore album, The Electric Lady (* * * * out of four), a summation of decades of musical innovation and female empowerment. Drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as Dorothy Dandridge and Quentin Tarantino, she has crafted a celebration of womanhood that expands on the scope of her debut, The ArchAndroid.

Monáe's voice is key to her versatility, a clear, sharp soprano that can convey passion, playfulness and pique. On the title track, she welds it over airy synth, funky horns and wailing guitar. Prince lends his shivery falsetto to Givin' Em What They Love, a fierce tease that erupts into a delirious funk-rock workout.

Taking her cues from the past, Monáe looks to the future with dexterity and daring.